Shahrukh said, ''Deepika is a fantastic actor. I am gentle towards her because she started her career in films with me. I feel protective for her. She essayed Shanti Priya really well in OM SHANTI OM and now the character of Meena Rochi that she's playing in CHENNAI EXPRESS will be as special or even more because she has really grown as an actor. She's gone beyond our expectations in the film.''

''I want to thank Deepika for being part of this film. The best part of working with Deepika is that while shopping I can tell her to remove what's that from the top most shelf,'' he further said in a lighter vein.

Directed by Rohit Shetty, the film is scheduled to release on 8th August.